Relations between the neighbors have cratered following a deadly attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people

Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated following a deadly attack in the Indian-administered Kashmir region that left 26 people dead.

The assault occurred on Tuesday afternoon in Baisaran Valley, known as 'mini Switzerland'. The Resistance Front, a militant group believed to be linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has reportedly claimed responsibility, prompting New Delhi to accuse Islamabad of supporting cross-border terrorism. Pakistan has denied any role in the attack, instead accusing New Delhi of oppressing the region and its majority-Muslim population.

Relations between Islamabad and New Delhi have been tense for decades. The two neighbors have fought four wars, including one undeclared, and have had numerous border skirmishes.

Since Tuesday's attack, the two nations have taken sweeping steps to further downgrade diplomatic and trade ties that were already in deep freeze from 2019, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government abrogated Article 370 of the constitution, which had granted a degree of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir.

India moved first this week, expelling Pakistani diplomats, closing its land border, and suspending the key Indus Waters Treaty on Wednesday, saying the move would remain in effect "until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism."

Islamabad issued a reciprocal response on Thursday, suspending key bilateral agreements and cross-border routes, closing its airspace to all Indian-owned or operated airlines, and declaring India's defense, naval, and air advisers in Islamabad persona non grata.